Medallion with Portrait of Carolus Linnaeus 1800 - 1825

This medallion of Carolus Linnaeus was produced by the Wedgwood Manufactory using a type of stoneware called Jasperware. Jasperware was developed in the 1770s by Josiah Wedgwood, and it was often used to create neoclassical designs. The light blue ground and white relief decoration are characteristic of Wedgwood's work. The contrast between the matte background and the smooth, raised portrait emphasizes the delicate details of Linnaeus's features and clothing. Wedgwood achieved this effect through a labor-intensive process of molding and firing. The mold was filled with different colored clays, and the details of the portrait were carefully modeled by skilled artisans. Wedgwood saw himself as both an artist and an industrialist. His factory was a model of efficiency, and he was one of the first to apply mass production techniques to the making of ceramics. This medallion exemplifies his approach. The high level of craftsmanship creates a refined aesthetic, while the division of labor allowed for efficient production. This piece challenges the distinction between art and craft.